Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §1711-D is enacted to read:

§1711-D.__Identification

1.__Definitions.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"Health care facility" means a facility, institution or entity licensed pursuant to this Title that offers health care to persons in this State, including a home health care provider, hospice program and a pharmacy licensed pursuant to Title 32.

B.__"Health care practitioner" means a person licensed by this State to provide or otherwise lawfully provide health care or an officer, employee, agent or contractor of that person acting in the course and scope of employment, agency or contract related to or supportive of the provision of health care to an individual.

2.__Identification tags.__A health care practitioner shall at all times while working in a health care facility wear a clearly visible, easily readable identification tag that displays the first name and surname, the licensure status and the profession, occupation or staff position of the health care practitioner.

3.__Exception.__A health care facility may adopt a policy granting exceptions to the requirements of this section on the basis of a work situation when wearing an identification badge creates a safety hazard.

4.__Enforcement.__If the Attorney General has reason to believe that a health care facility has violated or caused health care practitioners to violate subsection 2, the Attorney General may bring an action to enjoin the violation.

5.__Penalty.__A health care practitioner or health care facility that:

A.__Negligently violates subsection 2 commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $1,000 may be adjudged; or

B.__Intentionally violates subsection 2 is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000, payable to the State.__ This penalty is recoverable in a civil action.